As part of the MEA when constructed, GDLs are frequently subjected to significant compression forces; as a result, Gas Diffusion Layers must be rigid and stable enough to endure these mechanical stresses. Typically, incremental pressure is used to study the GDL's mechanical stability while thickness variations are recorded. To the authors' knowledge, no studies have been published in the literature that discuss the impact of Gas Diffusion Layer mechanical resistance on reactant flows, despite the fact that numerous investigations have concentrated on GDL compression adjustment for maximum PEM fuel cell efficiency.
In addition to reducing electrical and thermal resistances, clamping pressure also changes how reactants flow through woven Gas Diffusion Layers and results in significant incursion into the flow field channels. Numerous studies have revealed that, depending on the type of GDL used and the operating circumstances, the ideal clamping pressure varies. Ge et al. discovered that at high current densities, the clamping pressure's impact on GDL is greater.
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